WOULD STEAL BIRDS’ SECRET OF FLIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3154, 25 February 1911, Page 10

WOULD STEAL BIRDS’ SECRET OF FLIGHT.

A WINGED MAN. MODERN DAEDALUS EXPLAINS TIIS UNTRIED PLANS., A Sydenham resident, Mr J. Warburton, is convinced that aeroplanists arc working upon the wrong principle. He believes that the “man bird” will not be evolved by means of the machines which are exciting the imagination of the civilised world at l present, but- by going- direct to Nature and stealing from the bird the- mystery of its flight. To’ demonstrate the faith tlialt is in him, ho lias invented an apparatus which he believes will satisfy man’s craving to- become lord of tlie air as well as. of the land. The invention is a pair of wings which are- strapped like a knapsack to the back. They have a width, at. the widest part of two- feet and a half, and they measure from tip to tin when outspanned about fifteen feet.

The apparatus weighs only 181 b. By substituting light steel plates for the wooden blocks of the yoke, the- weight may be reduced to less- than. 101 b. He intends to move the wings in flight by means of the feet, leaving the flier’s hands free for the use-, of a rifle, or a camera-, or for sketching, or other work. It will be possible to rise from- a. flatplace, and lie claims it will be easy to alight safely. When tliei wings are not in use they may be folded and lie within the breadth of the shoulders.

He has not given liis invention a test, but lie- is confident that it will prove itself to be quite practicable when anyone “has acquired the knack of using it,”